Macalester College Top Questions

Macalester is about being involved and being active--in the classroom, local community, and world. Students are engaged in many different on campus activities, community activities (like civic service and internships), and study abroad.

The administration was always very helpful and did everything they could to make me happy and successful! People are very environmentally conscious and the work done to make the campus a more green institution is admirable. The work of others in this area helped take some of the guilt off of my shoulders. Everyone complains about being required to live your first two years on campus, but it was definitely a smart decision. It increased community between students and strengthened our ties to Macalester. Classes are small so you get to know your profs and other students in your courses. I loved it!

I really enjoy going to a small school that is in the middle of a city to escape into when needed. The Twin Cities are very supportive of the arts and there are lots of cultural events and good restaurants to visit. I enjoy being in a community where so many people come from far away. The classes are small and conversation is inevitable.

My favorite things about Macalester: -it is in a city with a lot to do: art museums, music, bike trails, theater, but in an area of the city that feels "collegy" -Focus on internationalism and diversity through student body, classroom discussion and readings, etc -Students who are passionate, interested in learning, enjoy discussion

I view Macalester as my diamond in the rough because it is extremely intellectual, academically stimulating and offers so many academic and other resources but the entire world does not know about it like the IV leagues. However, the people that do know it know that it is a great place. When I go home to California many people aren´t familiar with Macalester. But when I run into someone that is they are always so happy for me to be there. In the midwest it is seen as a prestigious school and is very well respected in St. Paul. I have become much more proud to be a Macalester student as time has gone on because I feel I am part of a unique Macalester experience that the whole world does not know about. The school is small but there is a fairly diverse student body. For example, many of my friends are international students and come from extremely different cultures and backgrounds than me. One of my favorite parts about Macalester are the traditions. For example, at sports games we have a series of ridiculous cheers that everyone knows and goes crazy with. There are also various places on campus where people tend to gather or serve special purposes. Like Bateman Plaza. If you are looking for someone in the spring, you can just go wait at Bateman plaza because it is central to campus and there are nice outdoor tables to sit at and everyone passes by there as it is in front of the campus center.

The best thing about Macalester in my opinion is variety. Everybody is unique (and since everyone is unique, no one is... but that's an entirely different discussion that I've no doubt had at 2 am in the lounge). People from Mac come from so many diverse backgrounds, but despite the miles between everyone's hometowns, people find so much in common, which is great. I think Macalester can be a good school for anyone. I can't claim that Macalester is "perfect for me," because I honestly believe anyone can have a blast here. Being in the Twin Cities is also a huge advantage. Advantage meaning, you'll be able to have a lot more fun here than some schools in the middle of no where. The food here is great (I know people who gripe about it but I think they have been here so long they've forgotten what high school food was like... ugh). Macalester really has something for everyone, unless you want to go to culinary school or something like that... in which case... I'd say go to culinary school.

I really like the location, the campus, the accessibility. It is a small school, but to me it doesn't feel TOO small. I never thought I would go to such a small school, but I really like it because of its atmosphere. Even though lots of people have never heard of Macalester, it really is a highly respected school. One thing that I have had trouble with, which probably happens all over the place and is also partly my own fault, is that during Orientation and the first couple weeks of school, students find other people they are comfortable with and it all sticks. I feel like the groups generally get made, and that's the way it is. I feel like if you are really involved and really want to know lots of people from all different groups, you can. So, basically, that is something I need to work on if I want it to change. The food is good, too, compared to lots of other schools.

It's a small campus in the middle of two cities. That's why I came here. Unfortunately the cities are not always easily accessible because of the cold weather, but if you have a bike it helps. The location is really perfect, aside from the weather. There are a lot of stories in the twin cities, and people coming in from all over the world. I spend a lot of time in the library, which is so wonderful. There are a lot of other great indoor places on campus, which was definitely done on purpose with winter in mind. When the weather's nice, I run down to the river or go for a bike ride--it's really pretty around here.

The best thing about Mac is that we are located in St.Paul--there are so many places to walk to or bus to; the twin cities are fantastic. The student body is a little small. You get to know people quickly, and that's great. But, sometime's it's difficult to see the exact same people everyday--occasionally you can feel boxed in. Mac may not be super well known, but it is certainly a respected institution.

Macalester is a small liberal arts school in the Twin Cities. We are one of the only colleges of its kind, being a liberal arts college in a major metropolitan area. The area around Macalester, primarily Grand Avenue, is very fun and has a lot of restaurants and shops to visit. While still a bit under the radar, Macalester is slowly emerging as a premiere institution in the US, being that we were recently designated a "New Ivy." Macalester students are proud of who they are as individuals and that they are part of a diverse community. Macalester has its quirks, primarily the student body, and we are unique in that way. Macalester students are also not afraid of being passionate for what they believe in, whether that means trying to start a dialogue through the campus newspaper or chaining oneself to recruitment center doors. We are all passionate about something and we pursue it to the full extent.